“I was on the bloody coffin went she went down in rough seas near the Scilly Isles and if it hadn't been for those bloody gig skippers I'd be talking to Davy Jones right now and not looking at the bottom of my empty tankard.”

“Will you tell us the tale and I'll ensure you're not wanting again for ale?”

Salisbury lost at sea. Captain faces court martial.

So favourable had been the weather, with blue skies, a long, rolling sea sparkling in the sunlight, that as the ship bowled along I could hardly believe we were in mid-winter where storms should have been our constant companion. There was a noticeable chill in the air, and after a few days out the rigging of the ‘Bury was coated in ice, but the balmy days gave me cause for optimism. The French had been scarce and the temporary Captain – a Lieutenant Templeton-Smythe - was enjoying his first command under the watchful eye Cap'n Sir Ben Dover of the Belle Poule.

But one morning the sky took on a different appearance. Long twists of clouds, called ‘fish hooks,' ran from north-east to south-west and that night heavy cloud masses came rolling up from the horizon to mark the sun's setting. Our tops'ls had been furled at midday , and at dusk, so strong had become the breeze, we were running under stays'l, fores'l and spanker.

The ship began to ship water for'ard just after the second dog watch. A beam sea caught us on the windward quarter and, with the increased wind, it poured a flood over the bulwarks at every plunge of the ship. Lifelines were stretched across the decks. Soon a green flood of water began to fall into the waist, running over the leeward side and gurgling through the scuppers there. It was hard to stand at all, the following seas catching the ship now and again. I heard the rudder kicking ominously, with sharp thuds that made my heart leap.

Below, ol' Harper the cook prepared supper as best he could but the galley became a bedlam of falling pans, banging kettles and his own yells of despair. From the waist the roaring green waves seemed to tower and threaten to smash down upon us, each foam-topped roller looked larger then the one before. I was glad to go below to the pantry, to see the stores were all right before retiring to my bunk.

At midnight I was awakened by a loud crashing. It was thunder, but I had never before heard such a great volume of sound. Peal after peal resounded, echoing deep from the lower hold in a peculiar roaring that frightened me. I crawled out of my bunk, went aft and up the cabin companionway. The lightning came in glaring sheets that lit the scene entirely. I looked from windward to leeward. The lightning ran up and down the sky in jagged bars of yellow light, revealing the tossing sea for miles around. This was the point of no return and in it I was to witness the final moments of the Salisbury .

The Belle Poule had kept with us throughout the storm but here our paths and fates went their separate ways. The Captain, sorry lieutenant, finally gave the order to lash the rudder and fix the sail, an error that cost us the ship and many men their lives. For while we ran before the storm, the Belle Poule was given the order to heave to. With her bluff bow facing the oncoming waves and rising smoothly over them she stayed upright and the jerking, tumbling motion that afflicted us with every wave was replaced, on her, by a smoother pitching and tossing, which came together with her customary long roll and made it more comfortable for all.

While they turned to face the storm we continued to combat it, and it was a battle that we would quickly lose. The mizzenmast stood out against the lightning, looking like an oak in winter that was buffeted by a force ten gale. The ancient wood could not stand the power of the wind and it split the deck as it was uprooted and crashed down killing two men in the process. Ben Bazzard , was the first crushed by the weight of wood, but his bravery in pushing Jimmy and Stevie to safety will ensure that his name is remembered with much fondness by his shipmates. The same cannot be said of Chales Shanty , who dived under the falling mast in an effort to save a bloody stricken seabird. He succeeded in saving the gull but alas not his own life, and having been knocked senseless by the mast his lifeless body was swept out to sea with the next wave.

The loss of the mast brought doom. The wreckage pulled the sloop into the gale, and a mighty gust knocked her down on her beam ends. There was no hope for the ship. Although the men fought like sharks – swarming along the bulwarks with ropes and reclaiming their friends from the icy bite of the sea - the waves rolled relentlessly forward and the ship began to list alarmingly to the aft as the main storage deck filled with water.

Lieutenant Templeton-Smythe ordered Midshipman Herkness , with the aid of Archie Macdonald , to man the boats while he saw to the evacuation of the ship.

Macdonald is an able sailor and he ensured that a well-supplied boat was launched under his command . Herkness was only followed by one man off the floundering coffin class sloop, the “Captain,” and both men are sure to mentioned in dispatches for their bravery in attempting to cut away the wreckage and right the ship, though the Lieutenant will also face an enquiry for losing a ship on his first attempt at command.

I was lucky enough to make the boats and even luckier to awaken in a warm bed aboard the Lady Adams – a merchant vessel bound for Portsmouth, having been pulled from the water by a gig crew. I have since heard that the Belle Poule came to our aid and for his effort Captain Sir Ben Dover was given a boon of 100 Guineas. There was one other event of note. Lieutenant Kirk was swept overboard despite the efforts of a marine named Scarlet – whom I heard was promoted.

Captain Sir Pavel Pipovitch is appointed as Aide to the First Sea Lord

Mr A D Delaford purchased rank of Master's Mate and Surgeon, HMS Sheik Yassouf

T returned to the editor's office at London Gazette to find the desk cluttered with reports from the reporters of the last months highlights. It seemed like JC had forgotten he was working here again, as a copy of “ Fly Fishing ” by JR Hartley lay on the desk, open at, “ How to land your Trout! ” The desk also had a varied amount of hooks, fishing line and some sort of net as well!

Clearing away the mess T quickly got to the meat of the reports and settled down to start the editorial for this month…….

The first week of the month saw a Party at Lord Miller's House, however the notes were a little bare as to what Lord Miller was actually holding it for and the hack had not added anything apart from the guest list….

This looked more promising, though the guest list was a little on the light side…

Anyway that didn't stop the fun (Editor: we hope! ). Well, there was drinking games, folklore dancing, ( whatever that is, looked like a made up dance to me, reported the hack! ). However the Good Captain press ganged some of his crew to dance as entertainment, which appeared to go down a storm….NOT! There was some more of Captain Pavel's home cooking and some very, very strong drink on offer as well! Later on the Good Captains wife and Lady Jennifer danced in some sort of costume which Pavel insisted was the National dress for his country. (Editor: f rom the report it looks more like what the Captain and Admiral wanted their wives to wear for later on!!! ) All this as they danced round some hay and flowers on sticks!

As the night ended there was a big Fireworks display and some sort of sparkling wine?

Meanwhile the Opera continues to be a must for those wishing to be seen, those attending it this month were:

Vice Admiral Earl O'Groats with the Princess Royal in the Royal Box (lucky devil!), Captain Viscount Brock and Miss De Bries in an excellent loge, and Brevet Master and Commander Barry and Miss Hotspur in a perfect loge.

Over at Whites Admiral Earl Goodman and Countess Rosemary were spotted enjoying a meal together. While at Red Coats Captain Steel (RM) and Miss Emma Woodhouse, were debating Whig politics and enjoying their meal.

Meanwhile Southside was extremely busy this month, seeing Rear Admiral Kerr , Major Cunning (RM), Lieutenant Blowhard, Mr McLean and Mr Cornwall all enjoyed the visit and returned home safely . However Vice Admiral Sandwich, Mr Mclean and Cornwall were accosted and robbed of their monies by footpads. Lt Jackson was reported discussing politics with the ladies of Southside, but otherwise escaped unharmed!

Other happenings were some courting going on. Captain Sir Huw Jorgens successfully courted Lady Elizabeth Doolittle with a gift of silk dresses, however Vice Admiral Sandwich heard of this and I believe a serious argument ensued, cards were exchanged! Not to be outdone Midshipman Sharp courted Sophia Williams, but was unlucky as the lady's head was not turned, BUT Mr P King's was turned and cards were exchanged for attempting to steal his lady! In another street Lieutenant Smith called on Miss Flanders and presented her with a blue sapphire ear-ring. Miss Flanders was not impressed and refused his advances! Mr Westcott courted Anne Bonny, equally unsuccessful. Captain Fregate successfully courted Rebecca Morrison with a bejewelled necklace; she was flabbergasted at the beauty of it and said yes!

On a different note Mr Delaford visited Miss Wonderland in his new surgeon's uniform and they attend St Sepulchre's Church in Hackney.

First up was the Christening Party at AG mansion. It was a small ceremony held by a priest of the Anglican Church with a very proud and happy Andrew and a little bit tired Rosemary. Afterwards there was a nice meal of differing seafoods and a selection of white wines. Later on there were hot and spicy wines with the men retiring to enjoy cigars and their pipes. Those attending were;

Meanwhile over at the Dolphin Captain Sir Huw Jorgens and Lady Elizabeth Doolittle, with Midshipman Oates and Miss Lamb debated whig politics.

Lieutenant and Mrs Warwick , also debated Tory politics this ended with an exchange of cards with Captain Jorgens

Captain Champion (RM) and Miss Fullins in a perfect loge with Sailor P King and Miss Williams as their guests,

Lieutenant Sum Yun and Miss Octavia Marvell in a good loge ( however, a source at the opera house tells me he caused 100 guineas worth of damage demonstrating how to juggle fireworks)

Southside was popular too this month, these gentlemen were seen crossing the river:

However Lieutenant Blowhard was waylaid by the footpads and robbed of his purse. Mr Baker stepped into the night and woke up on board HMS Belle Poule , seems he did not hear or see the press gang!

Gentlemen were again seen practicing in the arts of fencing, those swishing and swashing were:

Those a'courting this month were a certain Midshipman Sharp who tried to court Miss Williams again, but was told by her maid “ she is at the opera with her beau ”.

Lieutenant Jackson tried to court Rebecca Morrison, he was unsuccessful or she is loyal to her man, Captain Fregate , who on hearing of Jackson 's impudence sent his man round with his card asking for satisfaction! And finally Mr Parker unsuccessfully courted Anne Bonny, making it a clean sweep!

Week three sees some political activity ( Which is reported elsewhere ). The opera gain proved popular with Vice Admiral the Earl and Countess O'Groats in a perfect loge, Brevet Master and Commander Barry and Miss Hotspur in a perfect loge (Editor: must be ardent fans, as they have been there for three weeks now watching the same opera !)

Captain Viscount O'Malley and Miss Caroline Cadger were seen enjoying a candlelit dinner at Buttons. Whilst Captain Fregate and Miss Rebecca Morrison were seen at the Pit enjoying each others company.

M eanwhile the air was full of swishing blades again with the following men buckling their swashes:

South side had its fair share of customers those enjoying the delights of the ladies were:

Vice Admiral Sandwich (Editor: is the good admiral dating a lady from Southside?)

Mr Drummond, who was unfortunaly taken by the press gang, as he stepped out into the night.

Mr McLean , who was relieved of his money by the footpads whilst attempting to get home.

Finally Lieutenant Smith turned up at Lord Miller's House, to be told by a bemused footman he had the wrong week for the party! Whilst Mr Westcott successfully courted Miss Ann Bonny, sweeping her off her feet with his charm!

So week three was interesting let's see what the Gents have been up to in the fourth week!

The clubs were busy with Major Baron Attenborough-Davies (RM ) discussed Tory politics at Buttons with Admiral Earl Goodman and Lady Rosemary . Lieutenant and Mrs Warwick, debated Tory politics at Dolphins. Over at the Pit, Lieutenant Smith debated Whig politics, while

The Opera continued to be busy with Vice Admiral the Earl and Countess O'Groats in a perfect loge and Colonel Albytross and Miss Dorrit in an ordinary loge.

The sound of swords cutting thin air was heard again, these gentlemen were seen tripping over their swords:

Southside continued to cast its spell over the Gentlemen of London, these men were seen sampling the delights:

Mr McLean, (Editor: who has now remained in Mistress Quickly's establishment for three months solid without a break! Will he get a campaign medal, or some thing more antisocial ?)

On a serious end to the month Midshipman Carew was found guilty of gross dereliction of duty and sentenced to be stripped of his rank and drummed out of the Navy.

Whilst a Brave man , Captain Walker recovered with the loss of the sight in one eye, but is still not fit or active service. (Editor: a true hero still keen for the fray even though he lost an eye unlike Midshipman Carew the bounder! )

Colonel Gallop's Political Editorial

First, let me introduce myself. I am Colonel Horace Gallop of the 17th Lancers and the Royal Society. I have been invited to produce a limited editorial for this fine paper about the goings on in the coming London Elections. So without further ado let's get on with it.

Well it was all quiet in the first week of the month, however in the second week, there was a bit of a disagreement between Lieutenant Warwick , and Captain Sir Huw Jorgens . From what I hear from the doorman, Lt and Mrs Warwick were debating Tory Politics when Captain Jorgens overheard and joined in. This I am told led to a heated discussion, in which cards were exchanged!

The third week saw Tyler Brock's January Blues Political Party at the Almanack. Captain Miller opened the party with the following speech:

“We live in a modern era now where the commonsense combined with enthusiasm is rewarded. Society is replete with examples where men, who through the application of these two virtues have made much of themselves. We must make our communities places where the individual can succeed through the role that he or she plays in the betterment of the community and we must respect the part that each of us has to play in keeping England as the greatest nation in the World.”

T his was met with a round of applause and “Hear, Hear” from the assembled Gentlemen and their partners. The Party then went its usual course of drinking and eating with lots of conversation. Captain Sir Pavel Pipovitch was heard to comment on how to open the borders for the trade with other countries and the determination of tolls.

Meanwhile Lieutenant Sum Yun and Miss Octavia Marvell were enjoying their meal and company, however many present tried to get them to debate politics, however for some reason the subject always turned to Chinese Junks and their beauty, and what elegant craft they are. This soon dissuaded all attempts at debating politics.

While nothing to do with Politics, I did see Midshipman Oates engaged in such jolly behaviour as 'Gorging' 'Puking' 'Rogering' 'Beagling' whilst at the same time avoiding being 'Radished'. Mark my words that young man has a great future in British Politics!

The fourth week saw another of Tyler Brocks's Political Party at the Almanack . Captain Sir Andrew Miller , as now seems the norm started with a speech, he too will make a good politician as he likes the sound of his own voice too much! Here is the oratation:

“ Last month was exemplified by the fantastic Christmas Ball hosted by Admiral Earl Goodman in which manners and respect, not social class, nor matters of birth were honoured. My good friend Lieutenant Sum Yun has been welcomed into London society not treated with the contempt attributed to our forefathers.

Yet our marketplaces and those we trade with are still those found by our forefathers and those we trade with are treated with contempt not commonsense or cunning. We must build on the traits that we are developing and find new ways of increasing our nation's wealth. With the boom in our industries comes an increase in the average wages of our population from 1700 to 1790. While they have increased in London (20% from £25 to £30) they have risen (230% from £11.5 to £26.5) to closely match the Capital. This means that wealth, even more than heritage, is deciding who has and who does not have.

We must give the people of Britannia luxuries to spend their money on, luxuries that they have not had before and these luxuries come from new markets than are sought by our entrepreneurs (those with commonsense and enthusiasm) We must win the hearts and monies of the people and then we can make this great nation ...”

Sadly, the snoring of the assembled party grew too loud at that point and drowned out the rest of the speech.

Once again Lt Yun avoided all political debate by discussing the Great Wall of China and it's technical marvels in detail.

However later I witnessed a strange thing l ate at night. Odd music was heard on the street near the Almanack. Octavia (Lt Yun's Lady) looked around for Gai, and not finding him joined her brother and others on the balcony. There they saw the sight of the night if not their lives! A bright green dragon snaked along the street to the accompaniment of gongs and drums, brightly dressed Chinese people and torches. At the front was someone holding a ball on a stick, bright purple with gold flashes, which the dragon pursued. The man wielding the pearl looked familiar - was it Sum Yun Gai? Once the parade had passed and the music could no longer be heard, Lieutenant Sum Yun appeared again at the party!

Later on various toasts were proposed, but by whom I cannot remember. Separately & individually toasts to the health of Lt. Gai, the gallant Sir Tyler, the British Navy, the Whig Party, Cardinal Chunder, the Archbishop of Canterbury, & the King (God Bless Him!) were heard!.

And that was that for the Political month., nothing else was happening although I dare say that the party scene was a tad more hectic than usual.

Tip of the Month:

In carrying a press of Sail, if by a sudden Squall, canting the Ballast &c. a Ship be laid on her Beam End, the method of righting her without cutting away the Masts, (which is to be avoided if possible) is by a Hawser, having strong Stop-waters to it, such as Spars, Hen Coops, &c. veered our over the lee Quarter, as mentioned in Waring under bare Poles.

Court martial!

Lieutenant Templeton-Smythe, for the loss of HMS Salisbury while under his command

Duels

Mr P E King has cause with Midshipman Sharp, for courting Sophia Williams in Week 1

Vice Admiral Sandwich has cause with Captain Jorgens for courting Lady Elizabeth Doolittle in Week 1

Captain Sir Huw Jorgens and Lieutenant the Honourable Richard Warwick, or political debate in the Dolphin in week 2

Commander Jervis Fregate has cause against Lieutenant Jackson, for courting Rebecca Morrison in Week 2

Captain Champion (RM) and Captain Steel (RM) have mutual cause for debating opposing politics in weeks 3 and 4

return to top of the page

Salisbury lost at sea. Captain faces court martial.

Colonel Gallop's Political Editorial

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Tip of the Month:

Court martial!